U.S. patent application number 11/290391 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-31 for trolling apparatus and method of use.
Invention is credited to Allen Odah Osborn, Dorothy Darlene Osborn.
Application Number | 20070119091 11/290391 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38086064 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070119091 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Osborn; Allen Odah ; et
al. |
May 31, 2007 |
Trolling apparatus and method of use
Abstract
A trolling apparatus and method of use are provided. According
to one aspect, a trolling apparatus includes a frame including an
upper line guide positioned toward a rear portion of the frame and
operable to engage a fishing line during a release state and a
lower line guide coupled to the rear portion of the frame and
operable to engage the fishing line during a retained state. The
apparatus further includes a line retainer operable to be coupled
to a holder aft of the lower line guide and a release mechanism
operable to engage a portion of the line retainer to provide the
retained state and the released state.
Inventors: |
Osborn; Allen Odah;
(Kennewick, WA) ; Osborn; Dorothy Darlene;
(Kennewick, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Raymond M. Galasso;Simon, Galasso & Frantz PLC
P.O. Box 26503
Austin
TX
78755-0503
US
|
Family ID: |
38086064 |
Appl. No.: |
11/290391 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
43/43.12 ;
43/43.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 91/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
043/043.12 ;
043/043.13 |
International
Class: |
A01K 91/08 20060101
A01K091/08 |
Claims
1. A fishing apparatus comprising: a frame including an upper line
guide positioned toward a rear portion of the frame and operable to
engage a fishing line during a release state and a lower line guide
coupled to the rear portion of the frame and operable to engage the
fishing line during a retained state; a line retainer operable to
be coupled to a line holder aft of the lower line guide; and a
release mechanism operable to engage a portion of the line retainer
to provide the retained state and the released state.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a variable tension
control mechanism operable to vary an amount of tension provided by
the release mechanism to provide the retained state.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a forward line guide
coupled to a front portion of the frame, the forward line guide
operable to engage the fishing line during the release state and
the retained state.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a variable depth
control system including at least one weight attachment mount
operable to couple a weight to provide a specific trolling
depth.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the variable depth control
system further includes plural attachment mounts along a lower
portion of the frame and operable to couple plural weights for the
specific trolling depth.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the guides
comprise plastic.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a first bead
coupled to a portion of the fishing line; a second bead coupled at
a distance from the first bead; and a cylindrical shaped material
surrounding the fishing line and coupled between the first and
second beads, the cylindrical shaped material operable to be
coupled to the release mechanism.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame is formed from a
single piece of material.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a main body portion
including a front portion and a rear portion and a length there
between; and a flanged portion coupled to the main body and
operable to mount the front guide, the lower rear guide and the
upper rear guide between the flanged portion and the main body.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the flanged portion further
comprises: a front flange spaced at a distance from the front
portion, the front guide coupled between the front flange and the
main body; and a rear flange spaced at a distance from the rear
portion, the lower rear guide and the upper rear guide coupled
between the rear flange and the main body.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising: the line retainer
formed between the main body and the flanged portion; and a tension
adjuster operable to vary a width of the line retainer holder
through varying the distance between the flanged portion and the
main body.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the main body portion and the
flanged portion comprise aluminum.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: retaining means
for maintaining the fishing line proximal to the frame; tension
adjustment means for varying a tension applied to the line
retainer; and release means for displacing the fishing line from
the frame and enabling the frame to slide along the fishing
line.
14. A method of fishing using a trolling apparatus comprising:
providing a fishing line having an end portion and a line retainer
displaced at a distance from the end portion; displacing the line
through a forward line guide of a trolling apparatus and upper and
lower rear line guides of the trolling apparatus; coupling the line
retainer to a release mechanism operable to provide a retained
state and a released state, the retained state maintaining the line
proximal to a lower rear line guide and the retained state enabling
the line to move proximal to the upper rear line guide; and
lowering the fishing line and the trolling apparatus to a
depth.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising adjusting the release
mechanism to alter a tension of a line retainer holder of the
release mechanism.
16. The method of claim 14 further comprising coupling at least one
weight to a lower portion of the trolling apparatus to provide a
greater depth to displace the trolling apparatus.
17. The method of claim 14 further comprising: enabling a fish to
strike a bait attached to the end portion of the line; releasing
the line retainer in response to the strike; and enabling movement
of the trolling apparatus along the line upon releasing the line
retainer.
18. A fishing apparatus comprising: a main body portion including a
front line guide dorsal fin and a rear line guide dorsal fin and a
length there between; and a flanged portion coupled along the
length and operable to mount a front line guide, a lower rear line
guide and an upper rear line guide to the main body, the flanged
portion including: a front flange spaced at a distance from the
front line guide dorsal fin and mounting the front guide between
the front flange and the front line guide dorsal fin of the main
body; and a rear flange spaced at a distance from the rear line
guide dorsal fin and mounting the lower rear guide and the upper
rear guide between the rear flange and the rear line dorsal fin of
the main body, the lower rear and the upper rear guide operable to
maintain a fishing line there between before and after detecting a
fish striking a bait coupled to the line.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising: a line retainer
formed between the main body and the flanged portion; and a
variable tension adjuster operable to vary a width of the line
retainer by varying the distance between a line retainer member of
the flanged portion and a main body line retainer of the main
body.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising: a first bead
coupled to a portion of the fishing line; a second bead coupled at
a distance from the first bead; and a cylindrical shaped material
surrounding the fishing line and coupled between the first and
second beads, the cylindrical shaped material operable to be placed
within the line retainer.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present invention generally relates to fishing
technology, and more particularly, to a trolling apparatus and
method of use.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Fishing in deep waters has historically presented challenges
for leisure and commercial fishermen. To achieve fishing at several
hundred feet requires the use of very heavily weighted fishing
lines and downrigging equipment to produce a desired depth.
Additionally, the fishing line being used needs to withstand
increased tension leaving the user with having to use a heavier and
more costly pound test line. This is both difficult to manage and
can lead to large increases in cost in fishing gear.
[0003] In recent years, the use of a trolling device has been
predominantly explored for submerging a line to a desired depth. A
trolling device allows an individual to temporarily attach fishing
line and a bait to weighted trolling device that dives to a certain
depth and is attached to a separate line usually made of steel.
When a fish attacks a bait or lure, the line is disengaged from the
trolling device and the fisherman is able to fight and retrieve the
fish while the trolling device remains in the water. With the
trolling device in the water, the fish potentially becomes
entangled with the trolling device unless the trolling device is
quickly retrieved. From time to time, the trolling device may also
get entangled in a motors engine or propeller leaving a boat
operator with having to untangle the line in potentially rough
seas.
[0004] Some conventional solutions to entanglement include using
booms that extend laterally from the side of a boat and keep the
trolling device away from a fishing line after a fish is attached
and can be retrieved away from the line with the fish on it as the
fisherman fights the fish. This solution can also be costly
requiring extensive rigging for fishing. Other solutions include
utilizing a secondary motor such as a small gas engine to provide
thrust for trolling reducing any potential mishaps with the primary
boat engine. This solution is also costly and requires an
additional investment. As such, what is needed is a cost effective
efficient apparatus and method of fishing at great depths.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and
advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference numbers indicate like features, and
wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a trolling apparatus according to one
aspect of the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 2A illustrates an expanded view of an upper guide
portion of a trolling apparatus according to one aspect of the
invention;
[0008] FIG. 2B illustrates an expanded view of an upper guide
portion of a trolling apparatus for use with the flange portion of
FIG. 2B according to another aspect of the invention; and
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates use of a trolling apparatus in accordance
with one aspect of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a trolling
apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION
[0011] A trolling apparatus for fishing is provided. The trolling
apparatus includes a frame including an upper line guide positioned
toward a rear portion of the frame and operable to engage a fishing
line during a release state and a lower line guide coupled to the
rear portion of the frame and operable to engage the fishing line
during a retained state. The apparatus further includes a line
retainer operable to be coupled to a holder aft of the lower line
guide and a release mechanism operable to engage a portion of the
line retainer to provide the retained state and the released
state.
[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of
fishing using a trolling apparatus. The method includes providing a
fishing line having an end portion and a line retainer displaced at
a distance from the end portion and displacing the line through a
forward line guide of a trolling apparatus and an upper and lower
rear line guide of the trolling apparatus. The method further
includes coupling the line retainer to a release mechanism operable
to provide a retained state and a released state, the retained
state maintaining the line proximal to a lower rear line guide and
the retained state enabling the line to move proximal to the upper
rear line guide. The method also includes lowering the fishing line
and the trolling apparatus to a depth.
[0013] In a particularized form, a trolling apparatus for fishing
is provided. The apparatus includes a main body portion including a
front line guide dorsal fin and a rear line guide dorsal fin and a
length there between and a flanged portion coupled along the length
and operable to mount a front line guide, a lower rear line guide
and an upper rear line guide to the main body. The flanged portion
includes a front flange spaced at a distance from the front line
guide dorsal fin and mounting the front guide between the front
flange and the front line guide dorsal fin of the main body and a
rear flange spaced at a distance from the rear line guide dorsal
fin and mounting the lower rear guide and the upper rear guide
between the rear flange and the rear line guide dorsal fin of the
main body, the lower rear and the upper rear guide operable to
maintain a fishing line there between before and after detecting a
fish striking a bait coupled to the fishing line.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a trolling apparatus according to one
aspect of the present invention. A trolling apparatus, illustrated
generally as trolling apparatus 100, includes a main body 113 and a
flanged portion 112 coupled to an upper portion of trolling
apparatus 100. Main body 113 and flanged portion 112 may be coupled
using various coupling mechanisms such as riveted, welded, fused,
bonded using an adhesive, or any other type of coupling
mechanism.
[0015] Trolling apparatus 100 further includes a line retainer 101
operable to retain a fishing line or fishing line holder 103 when
coupled to line retainer 101. A rear flange 116 includes a rear
upper line guide 105 and a lower line guide 106. Front flange
portion 115 includes a forward line guide 107. Trolling apparatus
100 further includes a variable tension control mechanism 111 for
varying tension placed on fishing line holder 103 when placed
within line retainer 101. A variable depth control system 108 is
also provided along a lower portion of main body 113 and allows for
connecting, tying, or coupling of one or more weight line(s) 110 to
vary depth of trolling apparatus 100.
[0016] During use, a user prepares for use of trolling apparatus
100 by placing fishing line 102 through forward line guide 107 and
between rear upper line guide 105 and rear lower line guide 106.
Fishing line 102 is then rigged with a first bead 114, a second
bead 104 and a line holder 103 placed in between. A fishing lure,
weight(s), leader, swivel, rig, hook(s), etc. may then be fixed to
the end of fishing line 102.
[0017] Line holder 103 may include various types of materials
including plastics, metals, rubbers, etc. having various lengths
and diameters. For example, line holder 103 may include a hollow
rubber or plastic tube that allows passage of fishing line 102. In
one form, rubber tubing may include a plastic or rubber tubing
similar to a vacuum tubing, surgical tubing, etc. and may include
an outer diameter sufficient to allow passage through rear line
guide 105 and or front line guide 107. However, in other
embodiments, line holder 103 may include an outer diameter that
does not allow for line holder 103 to pass through either rear line
guide and/or front line guide.
[0018] Through bead, then tubing, then bead, 2-3 feet, bead can
slide up and down and swivel is used to stop at the swivel. Bead
can be on the inside of the rubber tubing, similar to surgical
tubing. First bead 114 and second bead 104 may also be made of
various materials such as plastic, lead, alloys, etc. and may
slidingly engage fishing line 102. For example, fishing line 102
may be coupled to a leader, swivel, etc. allowing first and second
beads to slide along line 102 when in a released state. Fishing
line 102 having a swivel or leader provides a stop or obstruction
along fishing line 102 using second bead 104 and maintains trolling
apparatus 100 at a distance from a fish when in a released
state.
[0019] In another form, first bead 114 and or second bead 104 may
be crimped or fixed to fishing line 102 to trolling apparatus 100
at a distance from a fish when in a released state. In another
aspect, line holder 103 may include a rubber or plastic tubing
material sized to allow first bead 114 and/or second bead 104
within line holder 103. In this manner, fishing line holder 103 may
be maintained proximal to trolling apparatus 100 when in a released
state and fishing line holder 103 may not slide along fishing line
102 towards a fisherman having a rod and reel which may keep line
holder 103 from getting lodged or bound.
[0020] Upon preparing fishing line 102, line holder 103 is then
placed within line retainer 101 and variable tension control
mechanism 111 may be adjusted to apply tension to line holder 103
to maintain trolling apparatus 100 to an approximate fixed position
along fishing line 102 and a user may then drop trolling apparatus
100 into a lake, stream, river, ocean, etc. and allow trolling
apparatus 100 to descend to a specific depth based on weight
provided using variable depth control system 108 and weight
assembly(s) 109.
[0021] Upon a user trolling with trolling apparatus 100 and a fish
is attracted or takes a bait coupled to fishing line 102, a fish
places tension on fishing line 102 and fishing line holder 103 is
released from line retainer 101 placing trolling apparatus 100 in a
released state and allowing trolling apparatus 100 to slide along
fishing line 102. Additionally, fishing line 102 may contact rear
upper line guide 105 and/or rear lower line guide 106 depending on
the relative position of a fish when attached to fishing line 102.
Through maintaining trolling apparatus 100 coupled to fishing line
102, trolling apparatus 100 advantageously provides additional
weight on fishing line 102 which causes a fish to tire or wear
quicker resulting in less time required to fight a fish and
increasing the amount of time and/or number of times trolling
apparatus 100 may be used. In this manner, trolling apparatus 100
is provided as a single-line delivery system that does not require
the use of additional downrigging equipment or separate lines to
displace and retrieve trolling apparatus 100. However, in one
embodiment, a user may employ a downrigger system (not expressly
shown) to be used with trolling apparatus 100 if desired.
[0022] In one embodiment, trolling apparatus 100 may be maintained
along fishing line 102 if fishing line 102 located aft of trolling
apparatus 100 is compromised. For example, fishing line 102 may be
compromised due to an entanglement, improper drag setting on a
fishing real, attracting too large of a fish, utilizing fishing
line insufficient to sustain capturing a fish or a line test that
is too light, using a non-metallic leader or non-abrasive resistant
leader for fish having teeth, or any combination of conditions.
When fishing line 102 aft of first bead 114, fishing line holder
103 and/or second bead 104 is compromised or broken, first bead 114
and/or second bead 104 may be provided with a diameter sufficient
to not allow passage of first bead 114, fishing line holder 103
and/or second bead 104 through rear line guide 116. As such, if
fishing line 102 is compromised, first bead 114 may be placed up
against rear line guide 116 and trolling apparatus 100 may be
retrieved by a fisherman. In this manner, trolling apparatus 100
may be reused based by a fisherman reducing replacement cost for
trolling apparatus 100.
[0023] Trolling apparatus 100 may be formed from various materials
or combinations of materials as needed. For example, main body 113
may be formed using a rust-proof or resistant material such as
aluminum, composite, plastic, etc. such that trolling apparatus 100
may be used in salt water, freshwater, brackish waters, etc.
Additionally, trolling apparatus 100 may be formed using various
manufacturing processes including, but not limited to, molding
processes, machining processes, plastic extrusion processes, or any
other process to form any portion of trolling apparatus 100.
[0024] In one embodiment, trolling apparatus 100 may be formed of
aluminum or an aluminum alloy having a size or gauge sufficient to
provide a weight of less than four (4) ounces and capable of
providing an overall fishing depth of approximately one hundred
(100) feet deep without the use of additional weight(s). For
example, the overall size and shape of trolling apparatus 100
allows for efficient diving or decent with minimal weight being
attached. This allows for a fishing lure attached to fishing line
102 to effectively move up, down, left, right, wobble, etc. as
desired while being fished at a desired depth without having any
drag that may be caused by additional weight. Other stocks of
aluminum or aluminum alloys and the overall size and shape of
trolling apparatus 100 may be considered depending on the type of
waters being fished, desired fish to be caught, desired
presentation, depth of water to fish, etc.
[0025] Portions of trolling apparatus 100 may also be provided
using various combinations of materials. For example, one or more
type of bead may be used for first bead 114 and/or second bead 104.
First bead 114 and/or second bead 104 may include a metallic or
lead weight, such as a split shot, that may surround fishing line
102 and may be crimped in place using pliers. However, in another
embodiment, first bead 114 and/or second bead 104 may include a
plastic, rubber, glass, etc. material having an aperture for
threading fishing line 102. Each bead may also include a coupling
mechanism along either side of the aperture to secure each bead to
fishing line 102. In another embodiment, first bead 114 and/or
second bead 104 may slidingly engage fishing line 102 such that a
clicking or rattling is provided to attract fish. Multiple beads
may also be placed along fishing line 102 to provide an audio noise
(i.e. clicking, rattling) and or to provide a visual effect for
attracting fish. For example, beads placed along fishing line 102
and/or any other part of trolling apparatus 100 may include a
specific color to attract a specific type of fish.
[0026] In one embodiment, it may be advantageous for trolling
apparatus 100 to be camouflaged such that a fish may not be able to
see trolling apparatus 100. However, in other embodiments and
various fishing conditions, it may be advantageous for a fish to
see trolling apparatus 100. As such, trolling apparatus 100 may be
providing in a variety of colors and used based on different types
of fishing conditions, water types, water color, type of fish to
attract, or any other type of fishing condition. Trolling apparatus
100 may also be used with various types and sizes of fishing line
102 including, but not limited to, filament lines, monofiliment
lines, steel lines, braided lines, Proline.TM., or any other type
of line having a variety of weight ratings ranging from two (2)
pound test to one hundred (100) or more pound test as needed.
Various types of weights and sizes may also be attached to or
provided as a part of, weight assembly 109. For example, led-based
and/or lead free/environmentally safe weights may be used.
[0027] FIG. 2A illustrates an expanded view of a flange portion of
a fishing trolling according to one aspect of the invention. A
flange portion, illustrated generally at 200, is provided in
association with a fishing trolling apparatus such as trolling
apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 or trolling apparatus 300 of FIG. 3 and
includes a rear flange 201 having a rear flange taper 207 and a
front flange 202 including a front flange taper 206. Rear flange
201 is connected to front flange 202 via flange cross member 205.
Front flange 202 and rear flange 201 are also offset from flange
cross member 205 to produce a gap when coupled to a main body as
described below. Flange cross member 205 is also coupled to a line
retainer member 208 operable to be used in association with
retaining a fishing line and/or fishing line holder (not expressly
shown). Tension adjuster 204 is coupled to line retainer member 208
and is operably associated with increasing or decreasing tension
provided to a fishing line and/or fishing line holder to provide
retained and released operating states. Line retainer member 208
may also be offset from flange crossmember 205 as needed. Tension
adjuster 204 as illustrated includes a wing nut adjuster coupled to
a threaded bolt for varying tension of a line retainer. Tension
adjuster 204 may also be provided in other forms to allow an
increase or decrease in tension of a line retainer as needed.
[0028] FIG. 2B illustrates an expanded view of a main body portion
of a trolling apparatus for use with flange portion of FIG. 2A
according to another aspect of the invention. A main body portion,
illustrated generally as main body 212, is provided in association
with a fishing trolling apparatus such as trolling apparatus 100 of
FIG. 1, trolling apparatus 300 of FIG. 3, of flange portion 200
illustrated in FIG. 2A. For example, main body 212 may be coupled
to flange portion 200 to form trolling apparatus 200 or 300.
[0029] Main body 212 includes a main body rear line guide dorsal
member or fin 213 coupled to a main body front line guide dorsal
member or fin 214 via a main body cross member 210. Main body rear
line guide dorsal fin 213 is provided having the same approximate
size as rear flange 201. Similarly main body front line guide
dorsal fin 214 is provided having the same approximate size as
front flange 202 such that when flange portion is coupled to main
body 212 each fin and flange are aligned to form a front and rear
line guide. Additionally, upon coupling main body 212 and flange
portion 200, flange portion 200 is offset to allow for coupling of
line guides. For example, rear flange 201, front flange 202, and
line retainer holder 208 are offset from flange cross member 205
such that a gap is provided when flange portion 200 and main body
212 are coupled. However, in other another embodiment, main body
rear line guide dorsal fin 213 and main body front line guide
dorsal fin 214 may include an offset as needed to allow for
providing line guides.
[0030] Main body 212 further includes main body line retainer
holder 215 provided such that it may be aligned with line retainer
member 208 of flange portion 200. Main body line retainer holder
215 includes a variable tension control mounting aperture 217 for
coupling a mounting bolt, screw, threaded device, coupling device,
etc. for use with tension adjuster 204. For example, tension
adjuster 204 includes a wing nut sized to be used with a specific
bolt placed through aperture 217 of main body 212. In this manner,
when tension adjuster 204 is varied, a distance between main body
line retainer holder 215 and line retainer holder 208 allowing for
increasing and decreasing tension placed on a fishing line or
fishing line holder (not expressly shown).
[0031] In one embodiment, main body 212 and/or flange portion 200
may include different materials having various thicknesses as
needed. For example, line retainer member 208 may include a thinner
material than main body line retainer 215. In this manner, when
tension adjuster 204 is varied, line retainer holder 208 is
displaced at a greater rate to increase or decrease tension placed
on a fishing line or fishing line holder. However, in other
embodiments, the same thickness may also be provided.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates use of a trolling apparatus in accordance
with one aspect of the present invention. A trolling apparatus,
illustrated generally at 300, includes a main body 306 and an upper
flange portion 314 including a rear line guide 303, a front line
guide 304 and a line retainer mechanism 307. Trolling apparatus 300
further includes a weight assembly 309 having a weight 310 coupled
to variable depth control system 305 having weight attachment
mounts for mounting weights for displacing trolling apparatus 300
to a specific depth. In one form, weight assembly 309 includes a
ball weight that may vary in size from 10# to 15# but lighter or
heavier ball weights may also be used. Additionally, trolling
apparatus 300 may also be used without a weight assembly if
desired.
[0033] Fishing line 308 is displaced along trolling apparatus 300
and through front line guide 304 and rear line guide 303 and
connected to fishing line holder 315. Leader 312 may be a variety
of lengths based on the type of fish and depth desired and may vary
from thirty-six (36) to seventy-two (72) inches. Other lengths may
also be used. Leader 312 is coupled to an aft end of fishing line
holder 315 and is operable to affix a bait or fishing lure 311.
Line retainer mechanism 307 couples line guide assembly 313 and
allows trolling apparatus 300 to be fixed in place in a retained
state 301 while trolling or during use. When a proper amount of
pressure or line tension is provided to fishing lure 311 (i.e. a
fish strikes fishing lure or bait), line retainer mechanism 307
releases line holder 313 and allows trolling apparatus 300 to
slidingly engage fishing line 308 in a released state 301. For
example, released state 301 allows for trolling apparatus 300 to
traverse along fishing line 308 as needed while providing
additional weight or tension while a fish is attached during a
released state 301.
[0034] In one embodiment, trolling apparatus 300 may include
additional stabilization features to assist with streamlining
movement of trolling apparatus 300 through water and various
depths. For example, trolling apparatus may include horizontal
guides or fin-like or horizontal guides placed approximately
perpendicular to main body 306 or flange portion 314 (not expressly
shown). A single or multiple sets of horizontal guides may be used.
Additionally, a horizontal guide may also be variable or
rotational. For example, horizontal guides may be spring or tension
loaded and rotational to allow for rapid increases or decreases in
pitch of trolling apparatus 300. In this manner, a reduction in
turbulence or unstable utilization of apparatus 300 may be provided
in each operating state allowing for increased efficiency when
during use.
[0035] In one embodiment, line retainer mechanism 307 may be
provided as a plastic or rubber conduit having a slot with a slot
width less than the diameter of fishing line 308 and/or leader 312.
A slot may be provided along the rear or aft portion of line
retainer mechanism 307 and fishing line 308 and/or leader 312 may
be retained within conduit until a fish takes bait 311. When a fish
strikes bait 311, fishing line 308 or leader 312 is forced through
the slot and disengaged from line retainer mechanism 307. In this
manner, a variable tension controller, such as variable tension
control mechanism 111 of FIG. 1 or tension adjuster 204 of FIG. 2A
may not be needed to retain fishing line 308 and/or leader 312
along a portion of trolling apparatus 300 until a fish takes bait
311. Additionally, fishing line holder 315 may not be needed. As
such, trolling apparatus 300 is provided as a single-line delivery
system that does not require the use of additional downrigging
equipment or separate lines to displace trolling apparatus 300 to a
desired depth.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a trolling
apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. A
trolling apparatus, illustrated generally at 400, includes a main
body 420 and an upper flange portion 411 including a rear line
guide 401, a front line guide 402 and a line retainer mechanism
409. Trolling apparatus 400 further includes a weight attachment or
feeler mounts 408 displaced horizontally and vertically along main
body 420. A feeler (not expressly shown) may be provided as a
semirigid or flexible elongated piece of plastic or metal material
that extends below trolling apparatus 400 and allows for a user to
determine when trolling apparatus 400 is approaching a bottom of a
lake, river, etc. In this manner, trolling apparatus may not get
hung or snagged when being used.
[0037] Fishing line 403 is displaced along trolling apparatus 400
and through front line guide 402 and rear line guide 401 and
through elongated fishing line holder 406. Elongated fishing line
holder 406 may be provided in various lengths based on a desired
use for trolling apparatus 400. For example, elongated fishing line
holder 406 include a length between approximately one (1) inch and
two (2) inches and in one embodiment, is one and three fourths
(13/4) inches in length for minimal movement or action of trolling
apparatus 400 when used. In one embodiment, elongated fishing line
holder 406 may include a length between three (3) or four (4)
inches resulting in increased movement of trolling apparatus 400.
For example, elongated fishing line holder 406 provides for
side-to-side movement of trolling apparatus 400 when trolled at a
specific speed and may be made of an elastic plastic or rubber
material that may be bent or deformed in various directions and
provide for additional action or movement of trolling apparatus 400
by generating drag or turbulent operating conditions aft of
trolling apparatus 400 resulting in an overall side-to-side
movement of trolling apparatus 400.
[0038] Elongated fishing line holder 406 may also include a plastic
or rubber material having an outer diameter to allow passage
through a portion of rear line guide 401 and or front line guide
402 as needed. As such, a user my use or cut various lengths of
rubber or plastic tubing for use as elongated fishing line holder
406.
[0039] Elongated fishing line holder 407 is coupled to fishing line
403 using a coupling mechanism 407 operable to fix elongated
fishing line holder 406 to fishing line 403 to keep elongated
fishing line holder 407 in a fixed position. Coupling mechanism 407
may include various types of couplings and in one form includes a
strap, such as a tie strap, that may be tightened or clamped around
elongated fishing line holder 406 and fishing line 403. For
example, elongated fishing line holder 406 may include a hollow
plastic or rubber tubing material that may be compressed when
coupling mechanism 407 is tightened or constricted.
[0040] Trolling apparatus 400 may also be used with a leader 410
having a swivel (not expressly shown) or other form of leader
attachment and may be a variety of lengths based on the type of
fish and depth desired and may vary from thirty-six (36) to
seventy-two (72) inches. Other lengths may also be used. Leader 410
is coupled to an aft end of fishing line 403 extending thorough
elongated fishing line holder 406 and is operable to affix a bait
or fishing lure (not expressly shown). Line retainer mechanism 409
couples to elongated fishing line holder 496 and allows trolling
apparatus 400 to be fixed in place in a retained state while
trolling.
[0041] During use, elongated fishing line holder 406 creates
turbulent conditions aft trolling apparatus 400 when trolled at a
specific speed. For example, when trolling apparatus 400 is pulled
at a slower speed, trolling apparatus may maintain a substantially
straight path. As speed is increased, trolling apparatus 400 will
begin to move from side-to-side thereby providing additional
movement or action for a fishing lure attached to leader 410.
[0042] When a proper amount of pressure or line tension is provided
to a fishing lure (i.e. a fish strikes fishing lure or bait), line
retainer mechanism 409 releases elongated fishing line holder 406
and allows trolling apparatus 400 to slidingly engage fishing line
403 in a released state. For example, a released state allows for
trolling apparatus 400 to traverse along fishing line 403 and
coupling mechanism 407 keeps elongated fishing line tube 406 in
place while trolling apparatus 400 is in a released state. A fish
may then be retrieved and trolling apparatus 400 is allowed to move
along fishing line 403 as needed.
[0043] Note that although an embodiment of the invention has been
shown and described in detail herein, along with certain variants
thereof, many other varied embodiments that incorporate the
teachings of the invention may be easily constructed by those
skilled in the art. Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to
problems have been described above with regard to specific
embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to
problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage,
or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be
construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element
of any or all the claims. Accordingly, the invention is not
intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but
on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives,
modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included
within the spirit and scope of the invention.
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